Mediterranean
Ancient Kingdoms

No modern metropolis is more steeped in myth than Athens. From the gritty port of Piraeus—gateway to Greece’s fabled isles—to the Parthenon—eternal symbol of Western civilization—Athens has attracted adventurers and classicists for centuries. This heritage is still very much alive for modern visitors sightseeing in Athens: ancient stadiums and temples dwell alongside apartment blocks, modern performances are staged in the marble amphitheaters where Greek drama was born and millennia-old monuments are scattered in the archaeological park that circles the Acropolis. One of the world’s oldest maritime powers, Athens is blessed with a balmy climate and stunning coastline.

The ancient city of Valletta is teeming with historic monuments, churches and gardens. At just one-third of a square mile in area, Europe's southernmost capital is one of the easiest to explore on foot. Given Malta's strategic location and succession of rulers including the Romans, Normans, Sicilians, Spanish, Knights of St. John, French and British, it’s somewhat surprising to see Valletta so well preserved. The city dates back to the 16th century and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980. Extensive restorations of historic buildings are underway, including the rebuilding of the city entrance to mark Valletta's recognition as the European Capital of Culture in 2018. Decades of British rule mean that English remains an official language, along with the local Maltese language, plus a curious mix of Italian vocabulary and Semitic roots. As Malta lies just 50 miles south of Sicily, Italian influences dominate the cuisine and culture. Even so, the Maltese do value their own traditions, such as the folk music known as Għana, which features strong yet poetic male vocals over slow guitar music.

Tunis, the nearby capital, offers a bustling medina as well as the Bardo Museum, famed for its collection of mosaics and major finds from nearby Carthage, once the glorious rival of Rome.

Palermo, Sicily's capital, is a marvelously jumbled, crumbling blend of old and new—a canvas upon which the region's complex and ever-shifting history has been painted. Over the centuries, the port of Palermo was controlled by forces from the far corners—from Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans, to Arabs from North Africa, and then Normans from France, who oversaw a renaissance during which many of Palermo's iconic landmarks and modern tourist attractions were built.

To see some of the vestiges of ancient empires, take a day trip from Palermo to the Valley of the Temples at Agrigento, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its Greek and Roman ruins, including the Temple of Concordia, remain wonderfully intact. Within the city itself, explore the attractions in historic neighborhoods such as the Arab district of La Kalsa, home to the finery-filled Palazzo Mirto. The Quattro Canti (Four Corners) lies in the heart of the old city, with Piazza Pretoria on the corner. From there it's only a short distance to Palermo's Norman Palace, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Palermo's star attractions, which houses the Palatine Chapel, famous for its intricate mosaics.

Palermo is also a perfect jumping-off point for sightseeing excursions to the idyllic beaches of Mondello, the medieval coastal town of Cefalù and the mountain village of Monreale, which is known for its exceptional Norman cathedral.

Gateway to Mt. Etna, the awe-inspiring and still-active volcano, the seaport of Messina is the third-largest city in Sicily. Known for its fine cathedral, museums and for its rich Sicilian wines, Messina and the surrounding area was also the location for much of the Godfather series of films. An afternoon or a day in Messina can include a drive up to the windswept side of Mt. Etna (hold on to your hat—it is seriously windy here!) or to the shop-lined streets of Taormina. Many stores sell Sicilian ceramics, with colorful hues painted on volcanic earthen pottery, pieces created in the same way that they have been for centuries. Look also for jewelry and crafts made from beautiful black volcanic glass, collected from the slopes of Etna.

Don’t miss a chance to taste the wines of the region, which are gaining fame worldwide for their rich body and incomparable flavor. The 62-acre San Michele Estate, within driving distance of the port, creates wines that take advantage of the location's unusual, sheltered microclimate and volcanic soil.

A Mykonos cruise brings passengers to one of the most-visited islands of the Greece’s Cyclades. Once a playground for wealthy starlets, an aura of glamour lingers on Mykonos. Today, Mykonos caters to all types of travelers and there’s lots to see, do, and taste that’s accessible to us mere mortals. Mykonos cruise passengers are tendered straight into Old Town or water taxi in from the nearby Mykonos cruise port. Stunning views welcome you to the town with cliffside whitewashed houses and bright trim (blue for sailors, green for farmers, red for other) and trellises of bougainvillea.

Wander the maze of impossibly narrow streets, passing some of Mykonos’ signature windmills and churches. When it’s time for lunch, pick a taverna. Try mostra, a bruschetta-like dish and flavorful example of Mediterranean simplicity. Take time to explore Little Venice in Mykonos, a charming quarter where the restaurants and houses seem to float on the sea. If you prefer to spend a day in ancient Greece, shuttle to Delos, the mythical birthplace of Apollo. Delos is uninhabited by humans now, but full of vestiges of Greece in the 3rd millennium BC. You can see many remarkable ruins, including the area of the Sacred Lake. Wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen, as there’s little shade on Delos. Whatever you do on your Mykonos cruise, a taste of the island never feels like enough. It’s that beautiful.

Once a sleepy fishing village, the town transformed into a tourism hotspot in the 1980s. The town was an ancient trading port and a safe haven for armies like Alexander the Great and Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent due to its landscape and proximity to the Aegean and Mediterranean sea. Once docked at the cruise terminal, walk to the old town to find the Grand Bazaar, Marmaris Museum and most restaurants lined up by the superyachts and Turkish gulets (wooden sailboats) of the encircling marina. Sunbeds by the beach are within walking distance, though the more attractive Içmeler Beach is just a quick trip by taxi or public bus.

The gateway to one of the most legendary cities of the ancient world: Ephesus. St. Paul preached in its Great Theater, while the facade of the Celsus Library survives as a testament to the city’s role as a center of learning and culture. Not far from Ephesus, once stood the Temple of Artemis/Diana one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, drawing pilgrims from around the Mediterranean. While it no longer stands, it is possible to walk amongst its ruins. Other historic sites nearby include: The House of Mary, the Basilica of St. John and the Selcuk fortress which reflects the period of Byzantine and Ottoman control of the region. From ancient wonders to holy sites, there are few ports in the Mediterranean as magical as Kusadasi.

Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese Islands and a popular destination. Its capital, Rhodes Town, boasts a unique blend of history and architecture, while the interior of the island is filled with lush, forested hills. To the south lies Lindos, a stunning village featuring an ancient ruin atop a hill. The island's strategic location between Asia and Europe, as well as its pleasant climate, have contributed to its rich history. Additionally, the island boasts a fine natural port where the Colossus of Rhodes, an immense statue of the sun god Helios and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, once stood. The statue made Rhodes a must-visit destination for ancient world travelers until it collapsed in an earthquake in 226 B.C.E. Even the statue’s ruins were grand enough to bring curious travellers to Rhodes for another 800 years until the metal pieces were melted and sold off by an occupying army. Despite the many civilizations that have left their mark on Rhodes, the island's independent spirit has endured, and it has managed to retain its natural beauty.

Cruises to Kos, Greece, bring guests to an island in the Dodecanese chain, where the heart of ancient Greece still beats. In a single day, you can tour sun-washed ruins, reminisce about your college days at Hippocrates’ tree, layout on a beach, and taste your way through a maze of tavernas. Taking a fast ferry to Turkey or other Greek islands is possible, but Kos offers plenty of reasons to stay. Soaring right in front of the port, the Castle of Knights (Neratzia Castle) is a good choice for your first tour. Built from local stone and finished in 1514, it’s an impressive structure with drawbridges, columns, and friezes.

The Tree of Hippocrates stands in front of the castle. This gnarled plane tree marks where Hippocrates purportedly taught his students the art of medicine. Kos also has an array of Roman ruins and archeological sites, including the Odeon of Kos, an intimate, carefully restored theater once used for brutal gladiator fights. Nearby, Casa Romana gives an idea about how the wealthy lived in ancient times. When it’s time to eat, meander to Old Town, where you’ll find pedestrian streets buzzing with cafes, restaurants and shops. Indulge in seafood, salads and souvlaki made with the freshest ingredients possible, the essence of Mediterranean fare.  

Top 3 Things to Do in Kos, Greece

1. Castle of Knights

Tour an incredible 14th-century castle near the cruise port.

2. Odeon of Kos

Marvel at a carefully restored theater used for gladiator fights.

3. Marmari Beach

Soak up the sun or cool off in topaz waters.

Santorini, the jewel in the crown of Greece's Cyclades, is best known as the island with the giant volcanic caldera at its heart. All but the largest ships can anchor here in this stunningly scenic bay. Cruise visitors who come for an afternoon or a day can immerse themselves in the art, food and legendary wines of this island that some believe may have been the site of the lost civilization of Atlantis. On Santorini you can do as Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, would do and sample the island's wonderful wines or play Indiana Jones and explore the archaeological treasures of ancient Thera. Santorini's pleasures will likely leave you with a taste for more and planning your return.

The port of Souda on the Aegean Sea is home to a Greek and NATO naval base and is located six kilometers (three miles) from Chania—the second-largest city on Crete, which itself is the largest of the Greek Islands. Once you’re in Chania, set your compass for the historic waterfront with its famous Venetian Harbor dating to the 14th century. Walk along the breakwater to the restored 500-year-old lighthouse for views that are particularly photogenic from late afternoon until sunset. The atmospheric tangle of streets that is Old Town is easily explored on foot, and you can stop at one of the many outdoor cafés for a bouyatsa (custard pastry) or a glass of Cretan red wine.Soúda can also be a jumping-off point for a visit to Rethymnon, located about 54 kilometers (33 miles) to the east. Shaped by centuries of invasion, namely by the Venetians and Turks, its Fortezza was built by the Venetians in the late 16th century and captured by the Ottomans in 1646. The Old Town has the same kind of architectural character as Chania, but on a smaller scale.